Best Breakthrough Act in Providence
Prayers for Atheists
Prayers_Atheists

Strange Famous Records CEO Sage Francis wisely scooped up ardent political and human rights activist Jared Paul and his Prayers for Atheists crew, who stormed the scene last summer behind their outstanding self-titled debut EP and its leadoff single "Psalm for St. Paul," documenting Paul's arrest in Minnesota outside the Republican National Convention (a grass roots fundraising effort eventually led to all charges getting dropped). Edutainment is in effect when catching Prayers for Atheists in action; in July, the foursome embark on yet another cross-country tour, and Paul will pounce on the opportunity to drop some knowledge nationwide (think Chuck D. disguised as a 5'5" bike messenger). Guitarist Alan Hague's chugging, neck-snapping riffs complement Paul's fiery, slam-poet insight. PFA's live show is not to be missed, as evidenced by sold-out gigs at Firehouse 13 and AS220.

Runners-up
2. Big Tall Buildings
3. The diePods
4. Fairhaven

*PFA's "Psalm for St. Paul" & B Dolan's "Border Crossing" were also nominated for "Song of the Year," both made solid showings behind the eventual winner:

We accepted the award last Wednesday at the RI Music Award Show and gave the longest acceptance speech of the night. In our speech PFA denounced the wars in Iraq & Afghanistan, plugged RI community action groups (including the RI Mobilization Committee), encouraged participants to check out the independent news program "Democracy Now!" and then led the audience in anti-BP/Big Oil protest chants.

It was the kind of speech we felt would've done those who voted for us proud.

We've dedicated the award to Sage Francis, Strange Famous Records, and Dan Sawyer Studios for their unwavering support and advocacy. We wouldn't be able to do what we do without them.

Thanks Again!

Brand new album soon!

Sincerely,

Alan, Jared, Marco, and Cousin Tom

Tue Jun 15, 2010 10:27 am

the meanCertified O.G.

Joined: 31 Jul 2003
Posts: 6503
Location: philly/sacto/kauai/ohio

While I despise awards for art, I enjoyed this:

think Chuck D. disguised as a 5'5" bike messenger

Tue Jun 15, 2010 11:03 am

jehu

Joined: 25 Aug 2002
Posts: 9310

congrats! this is great. you guys are are killin it. keep doin you.

Tue Jun 15, 2010 11:14 am

Bob Harris

Joined: 21 Jul 2008
Posts: 123

Touchdown.

Tue Jun 15, 2010 5:54 pm

Jared Paul

Joined: 15 Jul 2002
Posts: 3719
Location: www.PrayersForAtheists.org

There were a few pockets of people there who were obviously not that thrilled about us winning, which made it that much richer.

Providence hipsters are starting to know and respect SFR because of B. and What Cheer and Sage's legend, but generally, they're not that suped about indy Hip Hop, nor Punk, when the words in the songs are audible and the band doesn't have that many tattoos. hahahahahah

Some of them, even resent those of us who lived in Olneyville warehouses out of necessity (with no loan, rent, or tattoo money from our parents), instead of for the temporary thrill and exotic feeling of living in an industrial wasteland.

One of the groups we were up against was the goddamned headlining act of the night! We saw that shit on the program and thought we were totally fucked- we almost left actually, but wanted to be there to support our friend Roz and to cheer if B won.

Awards for art do suck. But this has already helped us a ton. Thank yall for voting, we really fucking appreciate it.

Wed Jun 16, 2010 10:22 am

Nick Bianco

Joined: 04 Sep 2009
Posts: 27
Location: Sacramento, CA

Congrats guys. So happy to hear this! And not the least bit surprised. Album of the year next year? I think so!

Wed Jun 16, 2010 2:38 pm

CriticalTheory_Breakfast

Joined: 16 Apr 2007
Posts: 1420
Location: NYC/Rochester

Jared Paul wrote: There were a few pockets of people there who were obviously not that thrilled about us winning, which made it that much richer.

Providence hipsters are starting to know and respect SFR because of B. and What Cheer and Sage's legend, but generally, they're not that suped about indy Hip Hop, nor Punk, when the words in the songs are audible and the band doesn't have that many tattoos. hahahahahah

Some of them, even resent those of us who lived in Olneyville warehouses out of necessity (with no loan, rent, or tattoo money from our parents), instead of for the temporary thrill and exotic feeling of living in an industrial wasteland.

One of the groups we were up against was the goddamned headlining act of the night! We saw that shit on the program and thought we were totally fucked- we almost left actually, but wanted to be there to support our friend Roz and to cheer if B won.

Awards for art do suck. But this has already helped us a ton. Thank yall for voting, we really fucking appreciate it.

This makes victory so much sweeter. Congratulations, PFA. Tip of the hat.

Wed Jun 16, 2010 2:48 pm

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